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For collectors of gold coins from the era of Nicholas II, one of the most serious problems is the risk of acquiring sophisticated counterfeits. This is a challenging task, as it involves not crude copies, but skillfully altered genuine coins that require careful examination and specialized knowledge for their detection.
For collectors of gold coins from the era of Nicholas II, one of the most serious problems is the risk of acquiring sophisticated counterfeits. This is a challenging task, as it involves not crude copies, but skillfully altered genuine coins that require careful examination and specialized knowledge for their detection.
| Term | Description |
| Late Portrait | A portrait variant of Nicholas II that appeared on 5-ruble coins starting in 1903. |
| 1903 Pattern Portrait | An alternative name for the 'late portrait'. |
| Obverse Die No. 3 according to Kayumov | The catalog designation for this portrait type. |
Starting in 1903, a new variant of the emperor's portrait appeared on five-ruble gold coins. In numismatic circles, it is commonly called the 'late portrait' or the '1903 pattern portrait'. Although minor die differences may be found in each subsequent year, this is the primary definition.
According to common classifications, this portrait type has its own designation.
After 1903, a whole series of coins with the new portrait was issued. There is a pattern: the further the year of mintage is from 1903, the rarer and more expensive the coin becomes. This is clearly seen in the example of several key issue years.
There is another variant where the 'late' portrait is found—a complex and rare 'mule' coin. This specimen has the date 1899 and the mintmaster's mark 'ЭБ' (Elikum Babayants) on the edge, but the obverse features the 1903 pattern portrait, which logically could not have appeared at that time.
The appearance of such a coin is difficult to explain. There are various theories, from the accidental use of incorrect dies to the simultaneous production of several tool variants. The result was a unique combination of three elements: the 1899 reverse, the edge with the 'ЭБ' mark, and an obverse with the later portrait type.
| Coin Year | Approximate Value (as of early 2021) |
| 1903-1904 | 25,000 - 30,000 RUB |
| 1909 | 50,000 - 80,000 RUB |
| 1911 | 300,000 - 400,000+ RUB |
The rarer the coin, the fewer genuine examples collectors see, which complicates the detection of forgeries. This creates a great temptation for forgers, who use the method of 'date alteration'—changing the date on a genuine but more common coin to a rarer one. For example, a 1904 coin can be turned into a 1909 or 1911 coin.
The difference in value makes such manipulations very profitable. Even if a jeweler confirms the authenticity of the gold, it does not guarantee the authenticity of the coin itself as a numismatic object, as it may have been altered.
So, how can you identify a skillful forgery created by altering the date? The main focus should be not only on the portrait, which can be the same for several years, but also on the reverse—the side with the image of the double-headed eagle.
It is on the reverse that small but important details, characteristic of a specific year of mintage, are hidden. Forgers, when altering the date, often overlook the fact that the image of the eagle must also correspond to the new, rarer year. Knowledge of these features helps to expose the deception.
Let's consider a specific example: how to distinguish a genuine 1911 coin from one altered from a 1909 coin. To do this, you need to compare the details of the eagle's image on the reverse.
To avoid falling victim to fraudsters, it is important to be extremely careful and follow a few rules when purchasing rare and expensive coins. These steps will help minimize risks and protect your collection from forgeries.
